Presents data from 1990 to 2000 on college and university maintenance and operations (M & O) spending showing that M & O spending per student is less, spending per square foot is up. Included are M & O median salaries levels, and the median number of full- and part-time staff by function. (GR)

Looks at preventive/predictive maintenance as it is used in industry. Discusses core preventive maintenance tools that must be understood to prepare students. Includes a list of websites related to the topic. (JOW)

Examines the difficulties and solutions to wet environment repairs in pools and locker rooms. Issues include crack and leak repairs, repairs to grout and tile, on-deck accessories, and underwater lights. Several "tricks-of-the-trade" notes are included as is a brief discussion on emergency shutdowns. (GR)

Describes how schools are investigating single-ply roofing systems for new and retrofit construction. Discusses some of the considerations in seaming together a single-ply roof, steps in choosing roofing material and a roofing contractor, warranty advice, and the importance of keeping records on roof maintenance. (RJM)

When expanding educational technology resources, schools are challenged to purchase equipment with a limited, multiyear lifespan while finding the annual operating funds to maintain and operate the equipment. The revolving fund offers one sensible alternative. Public budgeting's rigidities allow no easy way to budget for ongoing technology costs.…

The consequences of the trend toward salaried physicians working for a company has significant implications for all stakeholders in health care including organizational development, career development, human resource, education, research, and consulting professionals who interface with this industry on a regular basis. (Author/JOW)

Concerned about the deteriorating condition of existing facilities, a dedicated group of Lake City, Iowa students, staff, parents, and community members completely redecorated and refurbished the school, transforming it into a bright, colorful building--at no cost to the district. The "Make a Difference Day" had unexpected social and…

Proposes a new descriptive item statistic, the mean cumulative logit, for scoring ratings of health care at the population level. Demonstrates the advantages of the method using data from the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study and shows that the perceived quality of health care is greater for fee-for-service plans than managed care plans in…

Explains how schools that focus on roofing maintenance are more likely to avoid leaks and costly repairs. Brief comments on the U.S. Department of Education's report on roof ratings and adequacy are highlighted. (GR)

Presents data on college spending for maintenance and facility operations for the 2000-01 school year. Data reveal a greater allocation of maintenance and operations being funded by colleges. Funding comparisons per student and per square foot of building maintained are provided along with data on median salaries and personnel allocation. (GR)

Discusses an ecological approach to language planning, which sees human communication embedded in a complex socio-historical, spatial, and interpersonal ecology. Contains a number of new ideas for language planners as well as suggestions for how to transform them into practice. (Author/VWL)

Examines the maintenance management problems inherent in cleaning multiple flooring materials revealing the need for school officials to keep it simple when choosing flooring types. Also highlighted is a carpet recycling program used by Wright State University (Ohio). (GR)

Discusses school preventive maintenance and the variables associated with maintenance staffing standards that address a zero-based budgeting environment. Explores preventive-maintenance measurement for staffing requirements, defines staffing levels and job descriptions, and outlines the factors to consider when creating a maintenance program and…

Many districts are using portables as relatively permanent installations. Although permanent buildings are more expensive to construct, their operating cost is only $1.30 per square foot, compared to $5 for portables. The overall cost of using portable classrooms to solve long-term problems eventually surpasses costs of building permanent…

Discusses the importance of staff training and a maintenance program to the care of hard floors. Describes four key features to look for in a computer-based training program and types of floor pads and matting used to keep flooring clean. (EV)